Windows XP SP2 Still on Track

Windows enthusiast site Neowin.net has posted what it claims to be the release schedule for Windows XP Service Pack 2. According to sources, the service pack will be released to manufacturing August 4, with a release to the web the following day. A general public release is due August 25.

Despite Neowin's specificity, credible rumors have emerged that the service pack is once again delayed – making the exact release dates anyone's guess.

Last week, Microsoft updated the Service Pack with a Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) test package. Although it is not known whether or not flaws in BITS contributed to any delay, BetaNews observed several posts made in public support newsgroups reporting errors associated with the service. Windows Update and Automatic Updates rely on BITS to transfer files efficiently by using idle network bandwidth.

No matter which binary gremlin continues to spook Microsoft away from an immediate release, one point remains certain: time spent on Windows XP's sustained development is time spent away from the Longhorn wave of products. An August release will allow Microsoft to cycle its time to Longhorn and forestall further delays.

When BetaNews asked Microsoft to confirm the dates posted to the Web, a spokesperson remarked, "Development of Windows XP SP2 continues. We remain on track to RTM the product in August."